If your dog looks stiff and achy when they walk or stand up,
they're not alone. Many older canines develop arthritis in their
joints over time. Sometimes it's the result of an old injury,
while other times it's joint inflammation from their diet or an
allergic reaction. Luckily, if your dog does have arthritis,
there are plenty of treatment options, like
carprofen
or Metacam.
Diagnosing your dog
Of course, your veterinarian is the only person who can truly
diagnose your dog with a condition like arthritis. But before you
take your furry friend in to be looked at, you should
learn to spot the signs yourself.
Arthritis is characterized by stiffness, joint pain, lameness,
weakness, exhaustion, changes in movement, and cries of pain when
touched on the joints. The older or more obese a dog is, the more
likely they are to have arthritis. Affecting nearly one-fifth of
all dogs, arthritis can be very painful and debilitating. The big
problem here is that dogs are not always the best at telling us
when they are in pain. Some telltale signs that your dog might
have arthritis is if they exhibit issues with basic
mobility, such as avoiding jumping or games that they used to
love.
How you can help your pooch
Once your veterinarian gives your dog the diagnosis, it's time
for you to help them out with some medication. Here are a few of
the drugs on the market that can enhance your dog's quality of
life and make them feel like they have their healthy joints
back again.
-
Carprofen -
Carprofen, or Rimadyl, is a nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug that stops your dog's joints from
becoming inflamed and painful at a chemical level. Try the
chewable version of this drug to make it hassle-free and
pleasant for your dog. What dog wouldn't want to eat a
pork-flavored treat that makes their joints feel better?
-
Dexamethasone
- This corticosteroid is an effective treatment for a
variety of dog ailments, including arthritis. It's designed to
limit and reduce swelling and inflammation. It's a serious drug
and should be administered as directed by the doctor and not
stopped abruptly. Despite its warnings, dexamethasone can be
very effective and has helped many dogs.
-
Adequan
Canine - Forget the daily pills, Adequan
Canine is an injectable drug that lasts for three days.
Administer this prescription medication intramuscularly and see
the results in two hours. After using the medicine for about
four weeks, you can expect big improvements.
-
Deramaxx - Deramaxx is
an NSAID that helps relieve joint pain and swelling for
arthritic dogs as well as those who have recently had surgery.
It comes as a chewable and is flavored like beef - perfect for
picky pooches. Also, it only blocks the COX-2 enzyme, unlike
other medications that block multiple enzymes. This results in
a tactical treatment that promotes healthy body functions while
still attacking joint pain.
-
Metacam
- Metacam is a liquid NSAID for dogs who can't handle
pills or chewables, like carprofen. It works against any type
of arthritis as well as injuries or surgeries that cause
musculoskeletal discomfort.
Use your PetPlus membership to
save on these and many other arthritis medications to help
your dog feel like they're No. 1 again.
Your Guide to Dog Arthritis Medicine
Arthritis stinks. After years of
using your joints, all of a sudden they turn on you, seizing up
at the most inopportune moments. Whatโs more, this deteriorating condition can
strike your dog as well, taking your lively pup and reducing them
to a geriatric mass of fur. Nothing hurts like watching your dog
struggle to do even the most rudimentary things (i.e., walking
down stairs, getting off the sofa). When you notice that your
pooch is starting to slow down, it is a good idea to take them
over to the vet to see if they can help put some spring back in
their step.
If it is arthritis that is holding your dog back, there are more
than a few types of arthritis
medication for dogs, ranging from homeopathic remedies to
some serious anti inflammatory steroids. Depending on your dogโs
situation, your vet might suggest that you try...
Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Aspirin
- A mild NSAID
- Treats minor pain and
inflammation
- Helps keep the blood from
clotting
Aleve
- A mild NSAID
- Treats minor pain,
inflammation, and fevers
Deramaxx
Etodolac
- Helps manage pain and
inflammation
- Reduces fevers and joint
stiffness
Meloxicam
- Helps manage pain and
inflammation
- Effective against fevers
- Also used for postoperative
pain
Metacam
- Helps relieve pain and
inflammation
- Honey flavored oral suspension
is easy to take
Previcox for Dogs
- Provides relief from
inflammation
- Decreases swelling and joint
stiffness
Rimadyl
- Most popular arthritic
treatment type drug
- Helps reduce inflammation and
pain
- Improves joint movement within
a few days of starting treatment
Piroxicam
- Reduces inflammation
- Prescribed to pets with joint
pain, minor aches, or fevers
- Also useful against certain
types of cancer
Celebrex
- Powerful NSAID
- Decreases swelling and
increases circulation
- Helps manage chronic pain
Other Types of Arthritis Medication
Prednisolone
- Corticosteroid
- Helps to reduce inflammation
- Treats allergy symptoms,
lupus, asthma, and more
Methylprednisolone
- Anti-inflammatory steroid
- Helps treat inflammation,
lupus, allergies, asthma, colitis, and some kidney disease
- Reduces swelling and decreases
the immune response
Dexamethasone
- Corticosteroid
- Reduces swelling, irritation,
redness, burning, and inflammation
Azathioprine
- Primarily used to treat
diseases by suppressing immunities
- Treats inflammatory bowel
disease
- Typically given for the long
term
Prednisone
- Glucocorticoid
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Treats allergies, bronchial
and lung disease, eczema, dermatitis, inflammation in the eyes,
ulcerative colitis, and arthritis
Adequan Canine
- Injection given
intramuscularly to help treat arthritis symptoms
- Helps maintain cartilage
density, keeping joints healthy
- Taken once every three days
Amantadine
- Antiviral agent and pain
reliever combo
- Treats influenza, arthritis,
and neuropathic pain
- Available as a tablet or an
oral solution
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